The Woman Outside my Door by Rachel Ryan ~ Book Review

Book Description:

All children have imaginary friends, Georgina tells herself. It’s perfectly normal, and they all grow out of it in the end. But when her seven-year-old son, Cody, tells her about New Granny, the new friend he’s met in the park, Georgina is instantly suspicious. Something—call it maternal instinct—tells her he isn’t making it up.

But maybe Georgina is losing her mind. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. And with her own mother’s recent death leaving her bereft and trying to cope with life as a busy working mom, it’s no wonder she’s feeling paranoid that Cody has invented a “New Granny” to replace his beloved grandmother.

Her husband, Bren, becomes the voice of reason, assuring Georgina that it’s just a game, the product of their son’s overactive imagination. But what if Cody’s imaginary friend is not so imaginary after all?

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About the Author:

Rachel Ryan was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She can usually be found writing in coffee shops, hanging around libraries, or walking the streets of Dublin, making up stories. The Woman Outside My Door is her first novel.

Author's Website.

Review:

I was pretty excited to read this book as it was recommended if you enjoy Lisa Jewell novels. I found it didn't totally live up to that. I did like this book but I found some parts slow and predictable. I was having a hard time with liking the characters especially Bren. I felt like he was gaslighting Georgina, where I was hoping for him to be a bit more supportive after what trouble he has caused in their marriage. Their relationship or lack of bothered me, especially their lack of communication.

The author does set up the plot so you are wondering who is this "New Granny", is it someone Georgina knows, a complete stranger or is she losing her mind after dealing with the grief of losing her mother and other stresses in her life. I did end up feeling bad for Georgina as she didn't have anyone else to turn to. It was a quick read and I do look forward to reading more from this debut author.

I give this book a 3 stars out of 5.